Graduate Team: Carol and Mia
About the Team: Mia, a female yellow Lab; Carol’s 3rd Guiding Eyes dog
Location: Herndon, Virginia
Training: January 2026 Home Training
Carol completed her undergraduate studies at George Mason University and earned her master’s degree from Marymount University. For the past 19 years, she has worked for the United Methodist Church, overseeing adult education programs with a focus on Bible studies, and religious education. A lifelong Virginia resident, Carol has been married to her husband, Dave, for 31 years and is the mother of two grown children. She now returns for her third Guiding Eyes guide dog, Mia, who follows guides Betty (Special Name pup) and Esther. Mia is a Special Name pup, named by a generous donor in honor of their granddaughter.
How would you describe your guide dog? “Mia is a happy dog with incredible house manners. She’s gentle, loves to greet people (when she is not working), is good about not eating dropped food, and loves to steal pillows off my couch every morning. We are a new team, and I know we will grow into a great working team soon.”
What made you decide to apply for a guide dog from Guiding Eyes? “I researched Guiding Eyes and two other schools. I found Guiding Eyes to be the right size and appreciated the city training, in particular. When I spoke with someone from Guiding Eyes, they were so friendly that I knew it was the right match for me. Every time I return to Guiding Eyes, I feel like I am coming home to family. I am dedicated to the success of this organization so much that my husband and I are currently a part of the Guiding Eyes Puppy Raising Program and are raising a puppy named Roger, and plan to continue raising more puppies for Guiding Eyes.”
How has having a guide dog impacted your life? “Having guide dogs has provided me with more independence. I like knowing that I can move around more easily, and that this ease of walking allows me to walk faster and through more difficult situations. There are many significant advantages to navigating with a guide dog rather than a cane.”
Were there any training highlights? “While training with Mia, I had the opportunity to spend part of my training in NY and the other part at my home. This gave me the benefit of both types of training.”
DOB: 10/17/2023
Litter ID: 4M323
Color/Breed: Yellow/Labrador Retriever
Gender: Female
Brood: Angelica
Stud: Soldier
Littermates: Magnum, Melon, Meadow
Region: NoVA-North
Regional Puppy Instructor: Katie Meuer
Puppy Raiser: Kristin Meredith, Kathleen & Tim McQuade, The Vernon Family
Facebook: No-VA North Puppy Raisers
Special Recognition: Mia was “special named” by Margie and Larry Weinreb in honor of their granddaughter, Mia. Mia the dog has been described as smart, friendly, calm, and beautiful, much like her namesake.
Mia, we always had faith in you. You are an exceptional dog: caring, friendly, and curious. It took the whole GEB community to help make you a success. ~Kathleen and Tim McQuade
Mia was the most observant and alert dog we’ve known, always ready to go on an outing, or adventure, or play date. She was available to quickly learn new skills and wanted to share her skills and love of play with other humans and pups. She played hard and then relaxed and chilled wherever we took her, quietly accompanying us at stores, restaurants, and at home by the fire. She was a great cuddler, and the whole family enjoyed being at her side and training her. She was a mentor to young pups, playing gently and sharing toys endlessly. She was as beautiful in spirit as she was to look at physically. We loved taking her to museums and shopping, as she was a great ambassador for GEB to all who met her while she was out in public. ~The Vernon Family
